TOTD: Monarchy – “Lost Cause”

I was watching one of my favorite YouTubers play Beyond: Two Souls, and one scene had them begging for money. The main character, Jodie (played by the multi-talented Ellen Page), has become friends with a group of homeless people and tries collecting money to no avail. She comes across another beggar and picks up his guitar after his fingers become too numb to play. It’s there she begins singing a song I knew by heart, but I couldn’t place a finger on it. I kept humming it to myself until it clicked. I input the lyrics onto Google to confirm my suspicion; it was “Lost Cause.” I was thrilled that I even remembered this song. I know listeners get picky when it comes to artists covering songs, but I love it for that fact. Each and every cover can be unique, and Monarchy proves it.

The electropop duo have been a longtime fave, particularly since remixing Kylie Minogue‘s “Better Than Today” in 2010. Comprised of Ra Black and Andrew Armstrong, this timeless duo have consistently put out amazing efforts. Their efforts include guest appearances from Dita Von Teese on 2013’s “Disintegration” and recently, “Girls and Boys,” both equally moody and unique pieces of electronica. This past summer saw Monarchy rule with an iron fist — releasing an album of covers, reworking each song into a brilliant masterpiece. It’s this particular song that stuck out for me. “Lost Cause” is a well composed pop song, almost a perfect fit for the duo’s electronic mold. Beck’s original is seemingly lost against the club tune, and that is not a bad thing. Every cover can be something different, and in this case, Armstong and Black’s efforts are ready for the dance floor, ready to forget the bitterness and heartbreak. This unique take on a 90’s classic tune strikes out as our track of the day.